2025 ALW Scholarship Winners
Meet the three outstanding learners who are this year’s ALW Scholarship winners.
Teegan O’Farrell, Northern Territory
When Teegan commenced studying at STEPS Palmerston, she lacked confidence and was very quiet and shy. Over time, however, she started to builFard confidence and to participate in classroom activities and form friendships.
Teegan’s story is one of courage, growth, and ambition. Her connection to the program has not only helped her develop valuable skills but has also inspired those around her. She participates in all activities and supports her peers with computer tasks while staying on top of her own learning goals.
Her strong work ethic, time management, and motivation to build a better future for herself and her family make her a truly exceptional adult learner.
Ilya Myshkin, Tasmania
Ilya, 26, grew up in rural Russia, with his early schooling including a little English grammar and reading but minimal spoken English. The breakout of war between Russia and Ukraine led to Ilya moving to Burnie, Tasmania.
Ilya began the Burnie Library’s English Conversation and then moved on to one-on-one tutoring through Libraries Tasmania’s Adult Literacy Support Service. He still attends
weekly sessions with his tutor, as well as continuing his ongoing studies at TasTAFE in Aged Care.
Ilya is a resilient learner who has faced many challenges, including leaving his family and home country. He has never given up and has remained focused on learning English. He regularly arrives at his tutoring sessions with a list of questions for his tutor from his additional study undertaken at home. His dedication to improve his life through adult learning is inspirational.
Krystel Batiste, Victoria
Krystel grew up in out of home care. Giving birth to her first child at 19, Krystel’s battles with poor mental health, substance abuse disorder and unstable housing resulted in her daughter being removed from her care. This was the catalyst for Krystel getting sober, stable and working towards a brighter future for herself and her daughter.
Krystel was referred to the Reconnect Program at the Diamond Valley Learning Centre (DVLC) in May 2024. She came to the program with the goal of becoming a nurse.
Krystel is an outstanding adult learner because of her extraordinary resilience, determination, and commitment to personal growth. In March, Krystel commenced studying the Certificate III Individual Support (Ageing and Disability) at DVLC and is on track to soon complete her qualification.
